I just want to make it clear that my numbers were just off the top of my head. Since you have an idea of how much flat panel area you might have available, I recommend that you research how much power you can collect using panels that are available today. You may find that I overestimated your solar array capabilities. Also keep in mind that at lower latitudes in the US, panels will only collect 6 hours worth of rated capacity during the entire day of sunshine only if mounted at a fixed southward angle equal to the latitude. At higher latitudes, the available sunlight is less. Mounted flat, the panels will collect even less, necessary since your boat could be pointed in any direction and an articulated array may be problematic.
You may find that your sized array would only drive your boat at less than 5 knots under optimal conditions, any bursts of higher power would require shutting down the drive to help the batteries recover. In addition, the panels will produce much less power in the early morning and late afternoon and nothing at night. If you have a large battery bank and you can recharge consistently (every night) with shore power, the panels may provide enough additional support to the batteries to allow something closer to how a large power boat is normally operated. But you will probably find yourself limited to speeds similar to sailboats and limited hours of operation.
Keep in mind that a 5Kw drive is often equated to a 15 to 20 HP diesel engine with reduced top end capabilities. I don't know the size of the regular engines that you would be replacing in your workboat, but I would guess somewhere in the hundreds of horsepower. I would really do some detailed research before starting a project like this, in my opinion it is not feasible.
Fair winds,
Eric
Marina del Rey, CA
--- In electricboats@
>
> Eric =Â
>
> "House boats or pontoon boats that run much slower and have flat roofs
> that cover most of the footprint of the hull can almost operate under
> solar power. "
>
>  This is exactly what I plan to do, using a forward cabin, flat roof aft ( above the work deck on a fishing rod and reel boat). I will have to go digging into my pile of CD's to get pictures of a boat that I would use. I worked on a Commercial Fishing boat that I think would be perfect for the application I am looking for. I will be using this boat as a work boat, not a pleasure boat. There is no such thing as "ugly" on a work boat. Clean is good.
>
> Â Twin screw Hull of 35 feet minimum. Roof space of an area of say 12 feet by 18 to 25 foot square for the SOLAR Panels. Battery's and motor weight will replace fuel tank[s] and engine[s] weight. A generator will be an alternate source of power, a back-up system to get me home.
> Â Speed. I would be Happy with 5 kts all day long with a max of ? 8 kts? for safe passage through fast moving currents. I am asking this because I have not found the answer.
>   Plum Gut, The Race and Mountalk Point have currents that scream in two direction every 6 hours or so. I am from Port Jefferson Long Island. In 1980 I was stationed at Governors Island on the CGC Tamaora, 1983 New London CT on the CGC Vigiorus and 1983 to 85 I was Stationed at Eaton's Neck. As a BM3 I was a Search and Rescue Coxswain on the 41422 and the 41343. Small world....
> Â Â
> Â My sister and mom live in Port Jeff and Sound Beach. I went to St. Anthony's in Smithtown way back when......
>
>
> Â With what I have been seen and learned from this site, My plan is workable!Â
>
>
> Thanks Rocco
>
> NEVER FORGET Sept 11, 2001
>
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